Coasty Girl

'Coasty Girl' is an R&B soul single by Shane Walker, released in November 2024 through TeamMusic. It reached #1 on the Official NZ Top 20 Aotearoa Singles Chart and became one of the defining homegrown songs of 2025, spending 70 weeks on the chart and 12 weeks at #1. It finished the year at #3 on the 2025 End of Year Aotearoa Top 20.

Walker (Tainui, Ngāti Mahanga, Ngāti Whātua) has been making music for over 20 years. His musical journey began with his father and uncle, rooted in Cook Island music, before he transitioned into the mainstream music scene. Born and raised in Ōtara, he started his career alongside his father Dion DHarp Paekau and his uncle Rahui "Brother Love" Vaka, before finding his own artistic voice with the smash hit 'Roimata'. He broke into the Auckland underground scene under the name ESDUB, but hardship and poor decision-making led to a troubled period. He eventually turned to his faith, becoming, in his own words, ten years a clean man.

The inspiration for 'Coasty Girl' is the unique talents of East Coast wāhine. "They're beautiful people; they're straight up, they're straightforward. They all fish, hunt and dive and I find that real special." The song arrived alongside a growing friendship with Hori Shaw and Te Wehi (two other artists whose music was rooted in the same coastal communities) and all three held the top three spots on the Aotearoa Singles Chart simultaneously, before joining forces for the Homegrown Road Trip across the North Island. Apple

Walker blends reggae, roots and gospel with Cook Islands and te reo Māori influences. "Music for me is a remedy, but it also is like my life's work and like a diary. It will create memories and leave a legacy for my kids and grandkids." At the 2025 Pacific Music Awards he took home Best Pacific Male Artist and Best Pacific Song for his single 'Believe', recognising a creative period that had elevated him from underground favourite to one of Aotearoa's most-streamed artists.